Go Greek!

The 2011 Greek Food Festival of Dallas is officially in the record books, and as the festival’s social media partner this year, the Brandpointe team is still recovering from our big weekend. From connecting with you via the festival’s official blog here at “Go Greek!” to three days of amazing attendance, Brandpointe has relished our involvement with all aspects of this year’s festival. 

We’re counting the days until next year’s event (only 360 to go, in case you were wondering!). Brandpointe warmly extends a resounding “Efharisto!” to the festival’s friends and followers, and we hope that you will keep in touch early and often. 

Until then, please enjoy some of our favorite images from 2011’s GFFD. You never know which friends, family, and neighbors our cameras may have spotted!

Culture Club Members Courtney (left) and Allison (right) Edwards have a dance-off during Opa! Hour.

Delicious souvlaki; who doesn’t love foods on sticks?

Shopping ‘til you drop at this year’s Agora Marketplace.

The most adorable children spotted at the 2011 GFFD; we adore these tiny Greeks!

Adult beverages abound during Friday’s Opa! Hour. Surely it was 5 o’clock somewhere?

Constantine Maroulis shows some love to festival attendee Greg Johnson.

Face Painting with one of the festival’s sponsors, The Advocate Magazine

George John celebrates his Greek heritage at this year’s GFFD, to the delight of all female festival-goers.

You can reach out to Brandpointe by visiting our website, or if you prefer to go old school as we often do, just give us a ring at 214.233.6594. Brandpointe offers technology initiatives, social media development, and comprehensive consultation for branding, marketing, and public relations strategies. Simply put, “Solutions. Strategy. Socialized”. We look forward to connecting with you.

On behalf of the amazing organizers of the Greek Food Festival of Dallas, we thank you again.

You can always find everything you need about the Greek Food Festival of Dallas and all things Greek via the website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. You can also share your commentary on the festival via Yelp and Foursquare, and we hope that you do!

Until next year’s festival…… Opa!!!

Did you make the cut among the Street Style Stars spotted at this year’s festival? If not, there’s always next year, but until then, check out the adorably fashionable attendees we spied during Friday’s Opa! Hour.

We adore the boho chic look these two cuties rocked during the happy hour.

One of our haute Culture Club members inspires meows with her leopard blouse; we adore both girls’ outfits for their chic yet comfy vibe.

Sometimes, it’s all about the accessories, as these girls proved with their enviable oversized shades and bags.

Even style stays in the family at the GFFD; we love the gorgeously printed dresses shown here on a well-heeled mommy and daughter team.

We couldn’t resist this too-cute kiddo in her pink striped leggings; her very fashionable mother and grandmother were also among our favorites for their classic aesthetic.

Opa! A few of our style-obsessed Culture Clubbers showed off for our cameras to end the Friday event.

Keep up with the GFFD year round on our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

It’s FINALLY here! The Greek Food Festival of Dallas kicks off this afternoon at 4 p.m., and we can’t wait. But before the Ouzo starts flowing for Opa! Hour, we’re throwing a Follow Friday party on “Go Greek!” in honor of our amazing Culture Club members. Get your #FF hashtags ready!  

@mirandabond007. Who? Miranda Bond. Why? The brunch connoisseur and Junior League devotee always shares amazing links.  Top Tweet. “Victory! Tweet peeps and FB friends alike are salivating at the thought of the deliciousness that awaits at the GFFD tomorrow!”

@passingthemic. Who? Liz Le Broderick. Why? Marketing guru Broderick shares helpful advice for your personal and professional pursuits, along with all the fun and foodie happenings in her world. Top Tweet. “I agree w/ Microsoft CEO that incremental gain comes with small steps but I don’t believe Bing will outrank Google.”

@wherewearincity. Who? Courtney and Alison Edwards. Why? Because the girls behind blog Where Wear in the City are experts on any and everything fashionably social in Dallas. Top Tweet. “Come checkout this fun weekend event! Where Wear in the City will be at Opa Hour from 4-6 p.m.!”

@byrdiefranco. Who? Byrdie Franco-Rocha. Why? Her diverse tweets give you a window into her admirable philanthropic pursuits, and Byrdie also shares hilarious missives from her life and times. Top Tweet. “The Ford Escort was a staple in every friend/group circle back in the day”

@AlexiaIsaak. Who? Alexia Isaak. Why? The fabulous Greek and accomplished author of Views from the 13th Floor keeps you up to date on all of her favorite things. Top Tweet. “Purchased Twist by Pritam & Neeraj Sridhar…awesome dance music!”

@theonecrystal. Who? Crystal Miller. Why? The highly entertaining blogger of The One Crystal talks shoes, social media, and savvy business on her seriously active Twitter page. Top Tweet. “Great takeaway: Facebook fans are easy to come by, but interacting with them is what builds brand loyalty.”

@thembgqueen. Who? Jennifer Vasquez. Why? The student, mom, and all around supporter of family fun uses her Twitter feed to lend inspiration and interesting quotes that are sure to lift your spirits. Top Tweet. “If your dream can be achieved by you alone your dream is not big enough. Great dreams demand great teams.”

@martharose. Who? Martha Wilson. Why? The lover of all things related to Dallas’ high-style and fine dining will help keep you posted on haute happenings in the city. Top Tweet. “Just ate my first grilled cheese from @Ruthiesrolling yummy!!!”

@drinkdallas. Who? Susie O. Why? Because Susie’s take on the Dallas scene is second to none. Top Tweet. “ALCOHOL: because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad.”

It’s not to late to join in the revelry of this year’s GFFD! Check out our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages for more information. You can also share your commentary on the festival via Yelp and Foursquare, and we hope that you do!

The Greek Food Festival of Dallas is only one day away, and we can’t wait! We’ll  help you plan your visit to this year’s event with our official weekend breakdown.

Festival Hours. Friday from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festival Location and Parking. The GFFD is held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at the intersection of Hillcrest and Alpha Roads. You can valet your vehicle for $10, self-park at Temple Shalom for $5, or take advantage of parking at Brinker International. Call 972.233.4880 with any additional questions.

Catch a Constantine Show. Constantine Maroulis will play three concerts throughout the weekend; the Friday and Saturday evening performances will take place around 8 p.m., and the show on Sunday afternoon is slated for approximately 2 p.m. Each set by Maroulis will take place on the center stage.

Opa! The inaugural Opa! Hour happens tomorrow, Friday, September 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. Soccer star and famous Greek George John will be on hand to greet guests; we strongly suggest you don’t miss this event!

Dance Off. Dance performances by many groups, including Holy Trinity’s own The Greek Dancers, will take place on center stage throughout the duration of the festival. The church choir will also be putting on shows throughout the weekend, and you can attend Byzantine Music Seminars on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Shop. Eat. Play. Visit the Agora marketplace to indulge in some retail therapy and take in culinary demonstrations, and entertain the kids while you’re at it, since Agora also features children’s activities. Hit the Pantopolion or the Pastry Shop to snag snacks, and don’t miss the Festival Feast for the best food at the GFFD. For all things Hellenic, stop by the Hellenic Culture Center, or tour the gorgeous Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

To find out how to join in the revelry of this year’s GFFD, check out our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. You can also share your commentary on the festival via Yelp and Foursquare, and we hope that you do!

Best wishes are in order for Dallas girl Victoria Semos! Newlywed Semos recently married over the Summer in Greece, and she’s sharing her favorite moments exclusively with us.

Getting married in Greece last month was the experience of a lifetime!  My husband Jeff & I chose to partake in the Sacrament of Marriage at Agios Nikolaos Greek Orthodox Church in Kapsia, Greece which was the village where my maternal Yiayia (Grandmother) was born. 

The small, rustic Church was built in the 12th Century (yes, 900 years old!) and visible in the stone construction of the Church are remnants of circular stones from the columns of ancient pagan temples that were being torn down and recycled in Orthodox Christian Churches at that time.  Jeff’s parents and Aunt came to Greece for our wedding and after experiencing the culture of this amazing country for the first time, they have vowed to return! 

When you are Greek-American, a wedding in Greece is always a great opportunity for family from the U.S. and family from Greece to get together.  One of my favorite moments from our wedding was that so many of my cousins from the Kaltezioti side of our family were able to be there from different parts of the U.S. and Greece. 

I had old black & white photos of our family set up at the reception, some dating back almost 100 years, of all of our grandparents who were born in the Kapsia family home as well as our common Great-grandparents Kanella & Konstantinos.  The cousins all gathered for a family photo in front of our Grandparents’ home holding photos of our ancestors — it was a historic moment!

Even more memorable is that if you had seen Jeff Greek dance at the reception, you all would have realized how much he loves and embraces my big, fat Greek family!!!

To join the final countdown to this year’s GFFD, check out our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. You can also share your commentary on the festival via Yelp and Foursquare, and we hope that you do!

Only four more days until the 2011 Greek Food Festival of Dallas opens, and we can’t wait to see you there! We’re obsessed with Greek food and fun, of course, and did you know that you can learn to cook while relaxing at the festival? 

That’s right, all three days of the annual GFFD feature cooking demos that’ll have you looking as skilled as Mario Batali by the time the holidays arrive. Stop by the Angora Marketplace to join in the culinary revelry.

Friday, September 23

6 p.m. Dolmathes with Christine Vergos

7:30 p.m. Greek phyllo pockets with Andrew Constantinides

9 p.m. Paximathia with Mary Ann Trapalis and Vanessa Stevens

Saturday, September 24

Noon. Greek food for kiddos with Elayna Naftis Erick

2 p.m. Kourambiethes with Elayna Naftis Erick

4 p.m. Greek appetizers with Christine Tomasides and Mary Wininger

6 p.m. Romantic Greek dinners for two with Donna and Tasso Lalangas

7:30 p.m.  Kefthethes with Joanne Cannellos

9 p.m. Tiropita with Mary Ann Trapalis and Vanessa Stevens

Sunday, September 25

Noon. Spanakopita with Maria Christon and Nina Rokas

1:30 p.m. Paximadia with Mary Ann Trapalis and Vanessa Stevens

3:30 p.m. Greek veggies with Joanne Canellos

To join the final countdown to this year’s GFFD, check out our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. You can also share your commentary on the festival via Yelp and Foursquare, and we hope that you do!

We introduced you to our fabulous Culture Club recently, and now, we’re introducing the newest member to snag a spot on our exclusive roster. Meet Susie O., founder of cool cocktail blog Susie Drinks Dallas. Susie’s love of fun, food, and the perfect evening out make her the perfect Culture Clubber, and today, she’s giving us her take on Grecian drinks that everyone can love.

Greeks have been rumored to have one of the most festive cultures in the world.  Between the bacchanalia of the Greek Isles and Dionysus himself, I think it’s a stereotype that may just fit.  While their food is world famous, their drinks haven’t found the same recognition.  We’re going to explore the history of their most well-known liquors and a couple of delicious Greek libations recipes to try out on your own.

The Greek liquor that has the highest recognition along with the highest alcohol content is Ouzo, pronounced “ooozo”.  Ouzo has been a symbol of Greek culture since it was created by a group monks in the 14^th century and has widely been distilled in Greek ouzeries since the 19^th century.  

The anise-flavored liquor can be sipped over ice or sipped from a super-chilled glass.  When mixed with water, ouzo tends to become cloudy white because anise (the essential oil in ouzo) isn’t soluble in water.  If you want the punch of ouzo without the licorice taste, try mixing it with a cola to cut the flavor.

If you’re not up for the strong flavor of ouzo, try the other famous distilled Greek spirit, Metaxa that has been distilled in Greece since 1888 by Spyros Metaxas in Kefalonia.  Metaxa is a blend of brandy and Greek wine.  Just like whisky, the longer Metaxa is aged, the richer the flavor.

                                                                       MY FAVORITE GREEK DRINKS

The Greek

Must-have Ingredients: 8 cups of water, ½ a piece of ginger, a handful of mint leaves, one lemon (sliced), a cinnamon stick, brandy to taste, and 1/2 C. of honey.

Creating the Cocktail:  Boil the water with the ginger, mint, lemon and cinnamon  stick. Add brandy to taste and boil for five minutes. Remove from heat, strain, add the cup of honey, and place in the refrigerator to cool.  Serve this drink cool with your favorite Greek delicacy; it’s perfect with your lamb souvlaki in the warmer weather

Iliad

Must-have Ingredients: One part Ouzo, one part amaretto

Creating the Cocktail: Shake the ouzo and amaretto together with ice to chill.  Serve with strawberries in a highball glass.

Zorbatini

Must-have Ingredients: 1 part Ouzo, 5 parts vodka

Creating the Cocktail: Mix Ouzo and vodka.  Serve with a Greek olive in a martini glass.

Susie O’s Greek Affair

Must-have Ingredients: Retsina and Coca Cola.

Creating the Cocktail:  Want to try something a little simpler?  Just mix Restina and Coke. It’s a rough drink to imbibe, but you’ll get accustomed to the bite!

Lastly, if liquor isn’t your thing and you’re more of a κρασί (wine) fan, Greece is one of the oldest-known wine-producing regions in the world dating back 6,500 years … heck, they even have a god of wine!  Greek wine was traded throughout the Mediterranean and was in high demand in Italy during the Roman Empire.  Wine was not only traded, but was also used for medicinal purposes by Hippocrates.  Either way, Greek wine has some staying power for a good reason.  Try a glass for yourself …or maybe a bottle?

So go and celebrate the Greek tradition of drinking.  The one rule is, when you drink, you must dance.  OPA!

For more on our Culture Club and the festival, visit our website, Facebook, and Twitter sites.

We’ve got big news about this year’s inaugural Opa! Hour which takes place next Friday from 4-6pm … Dallas soccer star and adorably proud Greek George John will be attending to visit with guests and sign a few autographs. The FC Dallas defender is, of course, our favorite local sports star and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Greek Food Festival of Dallas!

As you may recall, we filled you in on a few facts you may not know about #14 over the summer, and due to John’s great international opportunities, it was possible that FC Dallas would lose the defensive midfielder to U.K.-based club, Blackburn Rovers. The Dallas soccer community took a collective sigh of relief when it was confirmed earlier this month that John would remain with the team, and personally, we’re just thrilled that FC Dallas’ most handsome athlete will still be on the field here at home.

Want to see John in action? FC Dallas has upcoming home games on Sept. 17, 21, and 24, against the New York Red Bulls, Pumas UNAM, and Dynamo, respectively. Purchase tickets via the team’s website to attend the game at Frisco’s Pizza Hut Park.

For all things GFFD-related, visit us online and check out our  Facebook, and Twitter pages. 

In case you missed the Miss Universe pageant this week, it was as glittering and glamorous as always. And not just because Mr. Trump, pageant owner, was there showing off his signature coif. 

We adored all the pageant prettiness, and though Miss Angola took home the crown, we’d like to introduce you to Miss Greece, Iliana Papageorgiou. The model-turned-beauty queen was among our favorite contestants of the evening. Picture perfect, indeed.

For more on all things Grecian and the latest festival updates,  visit our website,  Facebook, and Twitter sites.